Författare: elof

Anubias barteri var.nana ´Gold´

This is another variety of the Dwarf Spear Leaf called ‘Gold’. It was discovered in cultivation at a nursery in Taiwan. After the initial isolation period it took several years to establish a stable stock. With leaves ranging in color from light green to yellow-gold, it is significantly different from the other, darker green types of Anubias. The lighting should not be too weak, as this makes the leaves turn darker.

Origin: Cultivar
Light: medium
Temperature: 22-28°C
Growth rate: very slow
Area: Foreground
Height: up to 8 cm
pH: 5-9
Water hardness: very soft to hard
Co2: 0-10 mg/l
Propagation: rhizome cuttings

Anubias barteri var.nana ´Pinto´

The Pinto´Anubias is a quirk of nature that has been propagated from a normal green population using selection. The light green variegation can be more or less pronounced, so only the most beautiful plants are propagated further in the production plant. This variety is very slow-growing and requires more light than the original green form. Due to its small size, the ‘Pinto‘ makes an attractive addition to Nano Cubes and can be used as „eye-catcher“ in aquascaping. This new plant creates excellent contrast on black lava rock and on dark colored roots.

Origin: Cultivar
Light: medium
Temperature: 22-28°C
Growth rate: very slow
Area: Foreground
Height: up to 8 cm
pH: 5-9
Water hardness: very soft to hard
Co2: 0-10 mg/l
Propagation: rhizome cuttings

Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Kirin’

The new Anubias ‘Kirin’ is a beautiful cultivated form of the dwarf spear leaf. The name Kirin comes from East Asia and describes a dragon-like mythical creature with one or two horns. The skin of this imaginary animal is covered with scales – perhaps a reference to the strongly curled leaf edges. Like all Anubias, this novelty is undemanding in care and particularly hardy. Mounted on stones or roots, the variety ‘Kirin’ is a new highlight for every plant lover!

Origin: Cultivar
Light: medium- little
Temperature: 22 -28°C
Growth rate: very slow
Area: Foreground
Height: 5 – 8 cm
pH: 5-8
Water hardness: very soft to very hard
Co2: 0 – 10mg/L
Propagation: division of the rhizome

Micranthemum umbrosum

Micranthemum umbrosum is a beautiful plant from US with small round leaves. It is suitable for small or large aquariums with stems becoming 10-25 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. Relatively demanding in terms of light. CO2 addition will promote growth.
Once the plant starts growing, it grows fast, and the shoots need to be pinched out often (can be planted as cuttings in the soil). Most beautiful in groups of many stems.

Type: Stem
Origin: North America
Growth rate:
Height: 10 – 15+
Light demand: Medium
CO2 : Medium

Schismatoglottis prietoi

Schismatoglottis prietoi is a real novelty and an enrichment for aquariums. The plant is a little reminiscent of a small-growing Anubias but has much softer leaves. It can be planted directly into the soil, with a very good rate of propagation. According to initial experiences, this new beauty from the Philippines also grows on roots or stones. It is highly recommended for smaller aquariums such as Nano Cubes. Due to its compact growth and small size, in the near future it will also be used frequently in aquascaping.

Origin: Philippines
Light: medium – low
Temperature: 20-28 °C
Growth rate: slow
Area: Foreground
Height: 6-8cm
pH: 6-8
Water hardness: soft to hard
Co2: 10-20 mg/l
Propagation: runners, division

Cyperus helferi

Cyperus-species are widespread all over the tropics, but only a few of them are good underwater plants. Cyperus helferi from Thailand is the first Cyperus-species used in aquariums, 20-35 cm tall and a roset from 15-25 cm wide. It requires a relatively large amount of light, and CO2 addition is recommended to promote growth. In aquariums with good water flow the plant sways beautifully in the current. 

Type: Rosulate
Origin: Asia
Growth rate:
Height: 20 – 30+
Light demand: Medium
CO2 : Medium